Broccoli—it’s not just that green vegetable your parents insisted you eat as a kid. Now, it’s the star of this easy, high-protein salad! Imagine a dish that’s as satisfying as your favorite post-workout smoothie but crunchy, tangy, and loaded with flavor.
I remember the first time I mixed these ingredients together; it was like discovering a hidden treasure in my fridge. This recipe is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish that even your most veggie-averse friend will want seconds of.
Steps
- Thoroughly wash and dry the broccoli, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. This can be done up to four days in advance if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar to make the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with additional bacon bits if desired.
Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ? cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2536 | Carbohydrates: 136g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 208g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 2640mg | Potassium: 2920mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 4680IU | Vitamin C: 653.6mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I make the Broccoli Salad in advance?
- Absolutely, Broccoli Salad can be prepared ahead of time. It’s best when chilled for at least an hour in the fridge, but you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. For the freshest taste, keep the dressing separate and mix it in a few hours before serving.
- How long do leftovers last?
- Leftover Broccoli Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Do I need to cook the broccoli before adding it to the salad?
- No, the broccoli does not need to be cooked. Just wash and dry it thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. The fresh, crisp texture of raw broccoli is part of what makes this salad so delightful.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the salad dressing?
- Yes, you can swap mayonnaise with a dressing like Miracle Whip, or even use coleslaw or creamy poppyseed dressing. To make it healthier, try using half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
- What can I add to the Broccoli Salad for extra flavor or crunch?
- You can enhance the salad by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, celery, or peppers. Additionally, swapping sunflower seeds with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
Tips
- Ensure the broccoli is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.
- Prepare the salad in advance and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, as this enhances the flavor by allowing the broccoli to absorb the dressing.
- For a healthier version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and consider omitting the bacon bits.
- If pressed for time, consider using store-bought coleslaw dressing as a quick alternative to the homemade dressing.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for ensuring the broccoli is dry after washing.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of large mixing bowls for tossing the salad and mixing the dressing.
